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There is something truly irresistible about a seafood pasta that brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to the table. This Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe combines tender, pink salmon fillets with succulent shrimp nestled in a luxuriously rich Parmesan cream sauce. Tossed with perfectly al dente fettuccine and brightened with fresh parsley, it’s a dish that feels special yet comes together quickly for any night you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients, each contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy sauce to the fresh seafood, every component works in harmony to create a stunning dish.
- Salmon fillets: Fresh, firm fillets provide a buttery texture and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these add a sweet, tender bite with a touch of ocean freshness.
- Fettuccine pasta: The wide, flat ribbons hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully, making every forkful luscious.
- Heavy cream: This creates the silky texture that makes the sauce comforting and indulgent.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth that elevates the creaminess even more.
- Garlic: Fresh and minced, it brings aromatic warmth and a subtle bite.
- Olive oil and butter: Used together to sear the fish and shrimp, combining to impart a perfectly golden crust and rich flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle a little heat to balance the creaminess for those who love a subtle kick.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
- Fresh parsley: Bright, fresh, and green, used as a garnish to add color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the fettuccine pasta in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but still with a little bite. This texture is key because the pasta will soak up the divine cream sauce without becoming mushy. Once done, drain well and set aside, ready to meet its seafood partners.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat to create the perfect searing surface. Season salmon fillets simply with salt and pepper, then let them sizzle for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want that gorgeous golden crust on the outside while keeping the fillets moist inside. After searing, transfer the salmon to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet—meaning all those lovely browned bits remain—add the shrimp and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes. Watch for their transformation to a pink, opaque perfection that signals they’re ready. Then remove them and set aside alongside the salmon.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
It’s time to build magic in the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about a minute, to release those mouthwatering aromas. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, setting the stage for the sauce to thicken. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re using them. The sauce will deepen and become luxuriously creamy in just a few minutes.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the shrimp to the pan, then add the drained fettuccine pasta, tossing everything together so each strand is coated in that dreamy sauce. The flavors meld beautifully here, uniting the seafood and pasta in a velvety embrace that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Serve the Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe
Plate generous portions of the saucy pasta, then crown each plate with seared salmon fillets for a stunning presentation. Finish by sprinkling with chopped fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that elevates the dish both visually and in flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe
Garnishes
A final touch of fresh chopped parsley isn’t just for color; it provides a lively freshness that cuts through the richness gracefully. For a little extra zing, a light squeeze of lemon juice or a zest of lemon peel can brighten the dish even more. If you like a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs sprinkled on top offer a delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish stands tall on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are wonderful companions too, perfect for mopping up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating each portion in wide shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooling around the salmon and shrimp. Garnish creatively with edible flowers or microgreens for a touch of elegance. Or serve family-style in a large, beautiful dish right at the center of the table, inviting everyone to indulge together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce and tender seafood hold up well overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to consume within two days for the freshest flavor and best texture.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but a bit tricky with creamy seafood pasta. The sauce can separate, and the texture of the seafood may change slightly. If you plan to freeze it, consider keeping the pasta and sauce separate from the cooked salmon and shrimp, then recombine after gently reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Reheat the salmon and shrimp separately to prevent overcooking. Microwaving on a low setting or warming in a skillet works best to keep the seafood tender and succulent.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Pat the seafood dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
If you want a lighter alternative, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. To maintain creaminess, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese or cashew cream for a similar texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe as written is mild, with an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. You can adjust the spice level up or down depending on your preference by adding more flakes or omitting them altogether.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for a golden crust and moist flesh that flakes easily with a fork but isn’t dry. Cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side over medium heat usually yields beautifully cooked salmon fillets.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients, like Parmesan cheese, are gluten-free (which they typically are). This way, you can enjoy the creamy salmon and shrimp fettuccine recipe without worry.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and effortlessly approachable. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight or a special occasion when you want to impress without stress. I encourage you to give it a try—the magic of creamy sauce, fresh seafood, and pasta is something that never fails to bring smiles around the table.
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Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is a delightful seafood dish combining tender salmon fillets and succulent shrimp tossed with fettuccine pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking a satisfying, elegant meal that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
For the Seafood
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while preparing the other components.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. Sear each fillet for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
- Make the Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained fettuccine pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top each serving with a seared salmon fillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh seafood instead of frozen.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted according to spice preference.
- To save time, you can cook the pasta while searing the salmon and shrimp simultaneously.
- Garnishing with parsley adds freshness but can be substituted with basil or chives.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
